With Nick Kyrgios' success at Wimbledon Australia dares to dream that he may be our the new Lew Hoad.
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Fifty-seven years ago this week the dashing, golden Hoad won the men's singles at Wimbledon, trouncing fellow Australian Ashley Cooper, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2. With this win Hoad became only the second player in Wimbledon history to win the men's singles twice in successive years. Days later he turned professional (only amateurs could play at Wimbledon). It was controversial of him but the Australian Women's Weekly approved.
"Wimbledon tennis champion Lew Hoad has at last turned professional after a dazzling career as an amateur. And his film-star guarantee of nearly £56,000 is the highest figure paid to an amateur in any sport. Lew's contract with [tennis entrepreneur] Jack Kramer provides for a £55,802 minimum guarantee. But with bonuses for victories and a percentage of the tour "gate" he may earn more than £89,000 in the next two years.
"Hoad, like Frank Sedgman, Ken Rosewall and others, has not only proved himself a champion but has kept Australia at the top of the world's sporting lists. Despite the occasional eccentricities of his court behaviour, he has been equal to about three trade commissioners as a good advertisement for this country.
"But champions don't last long these days, and Hoad, though possessing an incredible eye, power and control on a tennis court, has never had any training for routine business life. He has, therefore, decided to put his future, and the future of his wife and child, first, and make the most quickly from the chief skill he possesses.
"Lew has been the most popular player among other tennis amateurs ... This is probably because, win or lose, he is calm and unassuming."
